Mr. Fitspiration Culver Padilla: ‘If I can do it, you can do it as well’

Most of the greatest athletes and personalities of our time faced painful rejection before making it big. In fact, in many of these success stories, rejection was a turning point in their career — only motivating them even further to do well in their respective fields. Such was the case for Culver Padilla a dashing model, bodybuilder and fitness coach.

 It was rejection from a go-see that initially brought him to the gym and there he found his lifelong passion. Today, Culver has an incredible physique and an even more inspiring philosophy on fitness. Hand in hand, these brought him to win the title of Mr. Fitspiration Philippines at the recent BodyCon 2016.

 We caught up with Culver to find out what his fitness secrets are.

 THE PHILIPPINE STAR: When did you start going to the gym and why?

CULVER PADILLA: I started going to the gym August 2010 after I got rejected from a modeling gig.

Did you immediately get your desired results? If not, why not?

It’s a process and I know that it won’t happen overnight. Thus, desired results are only achieved after several months of hitting the gym.

What major lifestyle changes did you make to get to where you are right now? How long did it take for you to get to this stage?

To achieve any goal, one must impose self-discipline. I had to make sacrifices, like if I wanted to run in the morning, I should be off to bed by 10:30 p.m. so I could wake up the following day at 5:30 a.m. with renewed energy. Late-night gimmicks have to go as well, to give muscles ample time to recover. I don’t smoke or drink so these vices were not a problem at all.

 And of course, the most challenging part: DIET. To eat clean as much as possible in a world full of temptations was a real struggle. It took me six long years to get this fit and muscled. It’s a work in progress, there is so much to improve still.

What is the most common excuse that you hear from people you have trained and how do you convince them to snap out of it?

“I don’t have time.” We all have 24 hours a day, it’s all about prioritization and time management. Tell me “it’s not my priority” and see how that feels.

How important is the support of family and friends in your transformation?

I will not be here now without the support of my wife Debbie. She wakes up every morning to make sure I have everything I need, from my clothes to my vitamins, snacks, and supplements before leaving home. Big thanks to my family for trusting and believing in me.

What are the non-physical benefits of the new you?

Mindset and purpose. Mindset is everything. This can only be possessed by a determined individual through dedication and hard work. Brains and talents are just the basics, the foundation.

My purpose is not to play better than anyone, in any way, shape or form. I just want to be better than I used to be, or be the best version of myself, inside out. And through that pursuit, unknowingly I was able to inspire others to do it as well.

What’s your diet like?

I eat six to seven small meals a day. Small but frequent meals, every two hours. With macros of carbs: 659g, protein: 439g, fats: 163g squeezed in six to seven meals. Chicken, fish, sweet potatoes, greens, nuts, and fruits.

How much sleep do you get? Do you have a regular pattern?

I normally sleep around 11 p.m., and then wake up around 6 a.m.

How often do you work out? Can you share your workout routine?

I work out six times a week, three to four times a week for faster cardio. One body part training in the morning or lunch time, another body part at night. Chest-bicep, legs-tricep, back-shoulders. Sunday is my rest day.

How do you influence your family and social circle to adopt a healthier lifestyle?

I made my social media account a fitness & lifestyle/motivation page. Follow me on Instagram @culverpadilla

What prompted you to join competitions like Century Tuna Superbods and BodyCon?

My purpose was to help others see their worth, value, and capabilities through fitness.

My mission: Instead of proving others that they were wrong, I would rather show them that anything is possible. If I can do it, then they can do it as well.   I wanted to serve as an encouragement to their fitness goal.

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Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph or mylenedayrit@gmail.com.